Sewcial Bee Sampler Block #2

So, how'd everyone like the first week of the Sewcial Bee Sampler sew along? Both Maureen and I are blown away by the response and all the beautiful week one Patience Corners blocks. You guys are amazing! Keep up the posting to Instagram and be sure to use the #sewcialbeesampler hashtag so we can easily keep track of all the posts AND public IG accounts that use the official sew along hashtag are automatically entered into all our IG giveaway drawings!

It's been so fun to see the personal touches you've put into fabric choices and fabric placement on the first block. Many of you even made more than one! A question that came up a lot last week was about selecting the framing fabric. I suggested to several to possibly hold off in making that decision now, and rather wait till you've made more blocks to get the bigger picture. My co-host Maureen Cracknell and I are constantly monitoring Instagram to help you with your SBS sewing. We try to see it all and comment in someway, but bare with us as we are getting a bit swamped by the huge success of the sew along!

Ready for block #2--It's a dandy!

Get the free download for block #2 A Dandy on my Sew Along download page. Remember, you can start the Sewcial Bee Sampler sew along at any time, just download the available patterns and jump right in!

This week we will be utilizing two patchwork sewing techniques in block #2. I've prepared some step by step images for you and of course, this same information is illustrated and written down in the download material. 

I was lucky enough to get the advance yardage rolls of my new Bountiful fabrics for Art Gallery Fabrics! I'm making my sampler in my new collection and will also use AGF Pure Element solids for my frames and sashing. Bountiful will be in shops next month.

Tutorials

Half-Square Triangle Units

Since we only need 4 half-square triangle (HST) units in this block, we will be using a more traditional, 2-at-a-time HST method. 

1. Draw a diagonal line on the wrong side of a square, as indicated by the pattern. Place a marked square right sides together with a same-size square. Sew a 1/4" seam on each side of the drawn line. I like to press my stitched squares so everything's nice and flat before moving on to Step 2.

2. Cut apart on the line. Open and press. Trim dog ears. Makes 2 half-square triangle (HST) units. 

Quick Corner Units

I'd rather waste a little bit of material than sew on a bias cut edge. Quick corners allow you to sew on straight-of-grain pieces before trimming and flipping out the triangle corners. Here's how to sew them:

1. Draw a diagonal line on the wrong side of a square as indicated by the pattern. Noting orientation of the drawn line, place the marked square on a corner of shape indicated in the pattern. Sew on the drawn line. Tip: Sewing just outside the line on the corner side will keep the unit square.  Trim 1/4" past the stitch line. Press corner open. 

2. Noting orientation of the drawn line, repeat on the other corner as shown. Trim seam allowance and press corner open. Note: It's very important you press open the first corner before sewing on the second corner. Let's just put it this way, you'll know exactly why I mention this if you've forgotten :)

Here's my finished block # 2, I can't wait to see what you make! Don't forget to visit Maureen Cracknell's blog to see how she's sewn her A Dandy block. Maureen will be also be hosting this week's Giveaway Friday from our sponsor The Intrepid Thread--I know you'll not want to miss that!

Happy sewing xxxx

Thanks to our generous sponsors, each Friday Maureen and I will alternate hosting a giveaway of amazing prizes. Be sure to follow this blog and at Maureen Cracknell Handmade so you never miss a single SBS thing!

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